Pennsylvania: World No.1 Scottie Scheffler has endured a difficult start to the US Open at Oakmont Country Club, carding a 3-over 73 that leaves him seven shots behind early leader JJ Spaun.
Despite entering the day with optimism, Scheffler’s round turned into a five-and-a-half-hour battle marked by frustration and missed opportunities. Scheffler stated that, “I’ve probably got to give myself a few more looks.”
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The 27-year-old Texan, who has already claimed three majors, showed visible signs of frustration throughout the afternoon as Oakmont’s infamous slopes and rough took their toll. From a fairway shot that trickled into ankle-deep rough on the 12th, to a misjudged 6-foot par putt on the 13th, the world No.1 looked unsettled. His emotions spilt over when he slammed his wedge into the turf after flying the green by 40 feet on the short par-4 14th.
Scheffler made just two putts from outside 10 feet all round, none over the final seven holes, and three-putted the 13th. “It was just sloppy,” he said, citing early bogeys at the 3rd and 4th as avoidable errors. The round matched his worst-ever start in a major equalling his 73 from the 2021 Masters and marks a stark contrast to his 1-under 69 as a 19-year-old amateur at Oakmont in 2016. Still, Scheffler remains hopeful.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy’s hopes of bouncing back from a disappointing Masters also took a hit. The four-time major champion made two early birdies before a poor inward nine saw him post a 4-over 74. The world No.2 faltered with four bogeys in seven holes and a costly double on the par-3 eighth after failing to escape the thick rough.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau also found Oakmont unforgiving. Despite a confident attitude, the LIV Golf star could only manage a 3-over 73 after repeatedly battling through the punishing rough.
Morning starter JJ Spaun took advantage of slightly softer fairways to shoot a 4-under 66 — a number that looked even better as the greens hardened under the muggy afternoon sun. With a demanding course and tricky weather conditions forecast, the leaderboard is expected to remain volatile heading into the weekend.
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